Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/074,553 filed on Mar. 18, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/107,350 filed on Dec. 16, 2013, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/278,341 filed on Oct. 21, 2011, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,777, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/474,802 filed on May 29, 2009, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,088,130, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/541,506 filed on Sep. 29, 2006, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,601,165, and is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/541,505 filed on Sep. 29, 2006, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,751, and is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/014,399 filed on Jan. 15, 2008, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,851, and is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/014,340 filed on Jan. 15, 2008, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,904 and is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/935,681 filed on Nov. 6, 2007, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,903, and is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 11/869,440 filed on Oct. 9, 2007, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,857,830, and is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 11/784,821 filed on Apr. 10, 2007, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,017,381, and is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 11/347,661 filed on Feb. 3, 2006, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,749,250, and is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 11/347,662 filed on Feb. 3, 2006. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/196,405 filed on Aug. 22, 2008, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,128,658, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/196,407, filed on Aug. 22, 2008, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,137,382, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/196,410, filed on Aug. 22, 2008, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,118,836. The disclosure of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to method of coupling soft tissue and, more particularly, to a method of coupling soft tissue to a bone.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

It is commonplace in arthroscopic procedures to employ sutures and anchors to secure soft tissues to bone. Despite their widespread use, several improvements in the use of sutures and suture anchors may be made. For example, the procedure of tying knots may be very time consuming, thereby increasing the cost of the procedure and limiting the capacity of the surgeon. Furthermore, the strength of the repair may be limited by the strength of the knot. This latter drawback may be of particular significance if the knot is tied improperly as the strength of the knot in such situations may be significantly lower than the tensile strength of the suture material.

To improve on these uses, sutures having a single preformed loop have been provided. FIG. 1 represents a prior art suture construction. As shown, one end of the suture is passed through a passage defined in the suture itself. The application of tension to the ends of the suture pulls a portion of the suture through the passage, causing a loop formed in the suture to close. Relaxation of the system, however may allow a portion of the suture to translate back through the passage, thus relieving the desired tension.

It is an object of the present teachings to provide an alternative device for anchoring sutures to bone and soft tissue. The device, which is relatively simple in design and structure, is highly effective for its intended purpose.

SUMMARY

To overcome the aforementioned deficiencies, a method for configuring a braided tubular suture and a suture configuration are disclosed. The method includes passing a first end of the suture through a first aperture into a passage defined by the suture and out a second aperture defined by the suture so as to place the first end outside of the passage. A second end of the suture is passed through the second aperture into the passage and out the first aperture so as to place the second end outside of the passage.

A method of surgically implanting a suture construction in a femoral tunnel is disclosed. A suture construction is formed by passing the suture through a bore defined by a locking member. A first end of the suture is passed through a first aperture within the suture into a passage defined by the suture and out a second aperture defined by the suture so as to place the first end outside of the passage and define a first loop. A second end of the suture is then passed through the second aperture into the passage and out the first aperture so as to place the second end outside of the passage, and define a second loop. The first and second ends and the first and second loops are then passed through the femoral tunnel. Soft tissue is then passed through the first and second loops. Tension is applied onto the first and second ends to constrict the first and second loops about the soft tissue.

In another embodiment, a method of surgically implanting a suture is disclosed. The suture is passed through a bore defined by a first fastener. A suture construction is formed by passing the suture through a bore defined by a locking member. A first end of the suture is passed through a first aperture within the suture into a passage defined by the suture and out a second aperture defined by the suture so as to place the first end outside of the passage and define a first loop. A second end of the suture is then passed through the second aperture into the passage and out the first aperture so as to place the second end outside of the passage, and define a second loop. A second fastener is coupled to at least one of the first and second loops. After the fastener is coupled to the patient, tension is applied onto the first and second ends to constrict at least one of the first and second loops.

In another embodiment a method of surgically implanting a soft tissue replacement for attaching two bone members is disclosed. A first and second tunnels are formed in first and second bones. A locking member having a first profile which al lows insertion of the locking member through the tunnel and a second profile which allows engagement with the positive locking surface upon rotation of the locking member is provided. The suture construction described above is coupled to the locking member. The first and second ends and the first and second loops of the construction and the locking member are threaded through the first and second tunnels. Soft tissue is threaded through the first and second loops so as to engage bearing surfaces on the first and second loops. The locking member is then engaged.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 represents a prior art suture configuration;

FIGS. 2A and 2B represent suture constructions according to the teachings;

FIG. 3 represents the formation of the suture configuration shown in FIG. 2A;

FIGS. 4A and 4B represent alternate suture configurations;

FIGS. 5-7 represent further alternate suture configurations;

FIG. 8 represents the suture construction according to FIG. 5 coupled to a bone engaging fastener;

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11A-11B represent the coupling of the suture construction according to FIG. 5 to a bone screw;

FIGS. 12A-12E represent the coupling of a soft tissue to an ACL replacement in a femoral/humeral reconstruction;

FIGS. 13A-13D represent a close-up view of the suture shown in FIGS. 1-11B;

FIGS. 14A and 14B represent the coupling of the suture construction of FIG. 2A and FIG. 4 to bone;

FIGS. 15A-15G represent the coupling of soft tissue to a bone according to the present teachings;

FIGS. 116A-16D represent the coupling of soft tissue to a bone using alternate teachings;

FIGS. 17A-17E represent the coupling of soft tissue to a bone using alternate teachings;

FIGS. 18A-18C represent the coupling of soft tissue to a bone using multiple collapsible loop structures;

FIGS. 19A-19C represent the coupling of soft tissue to a bone using yet alternate teachings;

FIGS. 20A and 20B represent a meniscal repair according to the present teachings;

FIG. 21 represents an insertion tool with associated fastener and soft tissue anchor;

FIG. 22 represents an insertion sleeve associated with the tool shown in FIG. 21;

FIGS. 23-31 represent the repair of a rotator cuff using a tool shown in FIG. 21;

FIGS. 32, 33A-33B, and 34-38 represent alternate methods for tying a suture anchor to the fastener;

FIG. 39 represents the suture anchor coupled to a two-piece fastener; and

FIGS. 40-44 represent an alternate system and method of coupling soft tissue to the bone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

FIG. 2A represents a suture construction 20 according to the present teachings. Shown is a suture 22 having a first end 24 and a second end 26. The suture 22 is formed of a braided body 28 that defines a longitudinally formed hollow passage 30 therein. First and second apertures 32 and 34 are defined in the braided body 28 at first and second locations of the longitudinally formed passage 30.

Briefly referring to FIG. 3, a first end 24 of the suture 22 is passed through the first aperture 32 and through longitudinal passage 30 formed by a passage portion and out the second aperture 34. The second end 26 is passed through the second aperture 34, through the passage 30 and out the first aperture 32. This forms two loops 46 and 46′. As seen in FIG. 2B, the relationship of the first and second apertures 32 and 34 with respect to the first and second ends 24 and 26 can be modified so as to allow a bow-tie suture construction 36. As described below, the longitudinal and parallel placement of first and second suture portions 38 and 40 of the suture 22 within the longitudinal passage 30 resists the reverse relative movement of the first and second portions 38 and 40 of the suture once it is tightened.

The first and second apertures are formed during the braiding process as loose portions between pairs of fibers defining the suture. As further described below, the first and second ends 24 and 26 can be passed through the longitudinal passage 30 multiple times. It is envisioned that either a single or multiple apertures can be formed at the ends of the longitudinally formed passage.

As best seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a portion of the braided body 28 of the suture defining the longitudinal passage 30 can be braided so as to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the first and second ends 24 and 26. Additionally shown are first through fourth apertures 32, 34, 42, and 44. These apertures can be formed in the braiding process or can be formed during the construction process. In this regard, the apertures 32, 34, 42, and 44 are defined between adjacent fibers in the braided body 28. As shown in FIG. 4B, and described below, it is envisioned the sutures can be passed through other biomedically compatible structures.

FIGS. 5-7 represent alternate constructions wherein a plurality of loops 46 a-d are formed by passing the first and second ends 24 and 26 through the longitudinal passage 30 multiple times. The first and second ends 24 and 26 can be passed through multiple or single apertures defined at the ends of the longitudinal passage 30. The tensioning of the ends 24 and 26 cause relative translation of the sides of the suture with respect to each other.

Upon applying tension to the first and second ends 24 and 26 of the suture 22, the size of the loops 46 a-d is reduced to a desired size or load. At this point, additional tension causes the body of the suture defining the longitudinal passage 30 to constrict about the parallel portions of the suture within the longitudinal passage 30. This constriction reduces the diameter of the longitudinal passage 30, thus forming a mechanical interface between the exterior surfaces of the first and second parallel portions as well as the interior surface of the longitudinal passage 30.

As seen in FIGS. 8-11, the suture construction can be coupled to various biocompatible hardware. In this regard, the suture construction 20 can be coupled to an aperture 52 of the bone engaging fastener 54. Additionally, it is envisioned that soft tissue or bone engaging members 56 can be fastened to one or two loops 46. After fixing the bone engaging fastener 54, the members 56 can be used to repair, for instance, a meniscal tear. The first and second ends 24, 26 are then pulled, setting the tension on the loops 46, thus pulling the meniscus into place. Additionally, upon application of tension, the longitudinal passage 30 is constricted, thus preventing the relaxation of the tension caused by relative movement of the first and second parallel portions 38, 40, within the longitudinal passage 30.

As seen in FIGS. 9-11B, the loops 46 can be used to fasten the suture construction 20 to multiple types of prosthetic devices. As described further below, the suture 22 can further be used to repair and couple soft tissues in an anatomically desired position. Further, retraction of the first and second ends allows a physician to adjust the tension on the loops between the prosthetic devices.

FIG. 11b represents the coupling of the suture construction according to FIG. 2B with a bone fastening member. Coupled to a pair of loops 46 and 46 are tissue fastening members 56. The application of tension to either the first or second end 24 or 26 will tighten the loops 46 or 46′ separately.

FIGS. 12A-12E represent potential uses of the suture constructions 20 in FIGS. 2A-7 in an ACL repair. As can be seen in FIG. 12A, the longitudinal passage portion 30 of suture construction 20 can be first coupled to a fixation member or fastener 60. The fixation member 60 can have a first profile which allows insertion of the fixation member 60 through the tunnel and a second profile which allows engagement with a positive locking surface upon rotation. The longitudinal passage portion 30 of the suture construction 20, fixation member 60, loops 46 and ends 24, 26 can then be passed through a femoral and tibial tunnel 62. The fixation member 60 is positioned or coupled to the femur. At this point, a natural or artificial ACL 64 can be passed through a loop or loops 46 formed in the suture construction 20. Tensioning of the first and second ends 24 and 26 applies tension to the loops 46, thus pulling the ACL 64 into the tunnel. In this regard, the first and second ends are pulled through the femoral and tibial tunnel, thus constricting the loops 46 about the ACL 64 (see FIG. 12B).

As shown, the suture construction 20 allows for the application of force along an axis 61 defining the femoral tunnel. Specifically, the orientation of the suture construction 20 and, more specifically, the orientation of the longitudinal passage portion 30, the loops 46, and ends 24, 26 allow for tension to be applied to the construction 20 without applying non-seating forces to the fixation member 60. As an example, should the loops 24, 26 be positioned at the fixation member 60, application of forces to the ends 24, 26 may reduce the seating force applied by the fixation member 60 onto the bone.

As best seen in FIG. 12C, the body portion 28 and parallel portions 38, 40 of the suture construction 20 remain disposed within to the fixation member 60. Further tension of the first ends draws the ACL 64 up through the tibial component into the femoral component. In this way, suture ends can be used to apply appropriate tension onto the ACL 64 component. The ACL 64 would be fixed to the tibial component using a plug or screw as is known.

After feeding the ACL 64 through the loops 46, tensioning of the ends allows engagement of the ACL with bearing surfaces defined on the loops. The tensioning pulls the ACL 64 through a femoral and tibial tunnel. The ACL 64 could be further coupled to the femur using a transverse pin or plug. As shown in FIG. 12E, once the ACL is fastened to the tibia, further tensioning can be applied to the first and second ends 24, 26 placing a desired predetermined load on the ACL. This tension can be measured using a force gauge. This load is maintained by the suture configuration. It is equally envisioned that the fixation member 60 can be placed on the tibial component 66 and the ACL pulled into the tunnel through the femur. Further, it is envisioned that bone cement or biological materials may be inserted into the tunnel 62.

FIGS. 13A-13D represent a close-up of a portion of the suture 20. As can be seen, the portion of the suture defining the longitudinal passage 30 has a diameter d₁ which is larger than the diameter d₂ of the ends 24 and 26. The first aperture 32 is formed between a pair of fiber members. As can be seen, the apertures 32, 34 can be formed between two adjacent fiber pairs 68, 70. Further, various shapes can be braided onto a surface of the longitudinal passage 30.

The sutures are typically braided of from 8 to 16 fibers. These fibers are made of nylon or other biocompatible material. It is envisioned that the suture 22 can be formed of multiple type of biocompatible fibers having multiple coefficients of friction or size. Further, the braiding can be accomplished so that different portions of the exterior surface of the suture can have different coefficients of friction or mechanical properties. The placement of a carrier fiber having a particular surface property can be modified along the length of the suture so as to place it at varying locations within the braided constructions.

FIGS. 14A and 14B represent the coupling of suture construction 22 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 4 to a bone. The longitudinal passage 30 is coupled to a fixation member 60 which can be disposed within an aperture formed in the bone. The fixation member 60 can be, for example, a staple or a bone engaging screw. After coupling the suture construction 22 to the bone, loops 46 and 47 and ends 24 and 26 are readily accessible by the physician. The application of tension to the ends 24 and/or 26 causes the loops 46 and 47 to constrict. The loops 46 and 47 can be used to couple two or more portions of the anatomy. In this regard, the loops can be used to couple bone to bone or soft tissue to bone.

FIGS. 15A-15G represent the coupling of soft tissue 80 to bone. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the suture construction 22 is disposed about a portion of the soft tissue 80. Alternatively, an aperture or hole 84 can be formed in the soft tissue 80. A portion of the suture construction 22, for example, a loop 46 or loops 46, 47 or ends 24 and 26 can be threaded or pulled through the aperture 84. As seen in FIG. 15B, a single loop 46 of suture can be coupled to the fastener 60. This single loop 46 can be disposed over or around the soft tissue 80.

As shown in FIG. 15C, one loop 46 can have a fastening element 70 coupled thereto. This fastener element 70 can take the form of a loop of suture having a knot 72. This fastening element 70 along with the loop 46 and one or more strands 24 can be passed through the aperture 84 formed in the soft tissue 80.

FIG. 15D shows the second loop 47 can be passed around the soft tissue and coupled to the fastening element 70. The first and second loops 46 and 47 are coupled together about the soft tissue 80, and optionally can be positioned about the knot 72.

As shown in FIG. 15E, the first loop 46 and first end 24 can be passed through an aperture 84 of the soft tissue 80. Coupled to the first loop 46 is a fastener 70 in the form of a suture having a knot 72. The second loop 47 can be passed through the suture 70 and the knot 72 so as to form a pair of locking loops 73 (see FIG. 15F). FIG. 15G shows that tension can be applied to the first and second ends 24 and 26 of the suture 22 to constrict the suture 22 about the soft tissue 80. In this regard, the first and second loops 46 and 47 are tightened to constrict about and fix the soft tissue 80 to the bone.

As seen in FIG. 16A, the construction of FIGS. 14A and 14B can be modified so as to place a pair of collapsible fabric tubes 74 and 76 about a portion of the suture 22. In this regard, collapsible tubes 74 and 76 can be coupled to the first and second suture loops 46 and 47. It is also envisioned several collapsible tubes can be coupled to a single loop 46 or the suture ends 26, 27.

The collapsible tubes 74 and 76 can be either threaded onto (76) or disposed about a loop 75 formed in the suture loop 46. As seen in FIG. 16B, the first collapsible tube 76 can be fed through the loop 75. When tension is applied to the second end 26 of the sutures 47, the first loop 46 constricts about the second loop causing the collapse of the first collapsible tube 74. As shown in FIG. 16D, tension can be applied to the first suture end 24 causing the second loop 47 to constrict causing the collapse of the second collapsible tube 76 and the subsequent locking of the soft tissue 80 to the bone.

FIGS. 17A-17E represent an alternate method for coupling soft tissue 80 to a bone using the construction of FIGS. 14A and 14B. As shown in FIG. 17A, the first loop 46 and first suture end 24 are passed through an aperture 84 formed in the soft tissue 80. The second loop 47 is passed through the first loop 46.

The second loop 47 is then doubled back over the first loop 46 causing a pair of intermediate loops 77. As shown in FIG. 17D, a locking member 70, soft or hard, can then be passed through the pair of intermediate loops 77 or a portion of the first loop 75 to lock the first and second loops 46 and 47 together. As shown in FIG. 17E, tension applied to the suture ends 26, 27 tighten the loops 46 and 47 about the locking member 70. The soft tissue 80 is also fixed to the bone.

FIGS. 18A-18C represent alternate suture constructions 22 which are used to couple soft tissue 80 and 81 to bone. Disposed about the first and second loops 46 and 47 are collapsible tubes 74 and 76. The tubes 74 and 76 which can be, for example, fabric or polymer, can either be directly disposed about the suture 22 of the first and second loops 46 and 47, or can be coupled to the suture loops 46 and 47 using a separate loop member 81.

As shown in FIG. 18C, the suture construction 22 shown in FIG. 18A or 18B, the collapsible tubes 74 and 76 are passed through the apertures 84 formed in the soft tissue 80. The application of tension to the ends 26 and 27 causes the soft tissue 80 to be drawn against the bone and cause compressive forces to be applied to the collapsible tubes 74 and 76. By tightening the suture which passes through the passage 30, the soft tissue 80 is coupled to the bone without the use of knots.

As can be seen in FIGS. 19A-19C, several fixation members 60 and 60 can be coupled to the suture construction 22 to fasten soft tissue 80 to bone. As seen in FIG. 19A, the collapsible tube 74 can be coupled to a first loop 46 while the second loop 47 can be used to couple the first suture 22 to the second fastener 60. In this regard, they are coupled using a collapsible tube 76 of the second suture 22, thus allowing downward force along the entire length between the fasteners, thus providing bridge fixation as well as point fixation.

As seen in FIG. 19B, tension of the ends 24 and 26 of the first suture 22 draws the second loop 47 into the fixation member 60′. The second loop 47 of the first suture 22 is then coupled to the collapsed tube 76. This couples the first and second fasteners together and applies the downward force.

As seen in FIG. 19C, the second loop 47 of the first suture 22 can be passed through a second aperture 86 in the soft tissue 80. A second loop 47 is then coupled to the collapsible tube 76 associated with the second suture 22′. The collapsed tube 76 of the second suture 22 functions to fix the suture 22′ to the fixation member 60′. It is envisioned the collapsed tube 76 can be found within a bore defined in the bone or the fastener 60.

FIGS. 20A and 20B represent the use of a suture construction 22 to repair a meniscus. Fasteners 82 are coupled to first and second loops 46 and 47. After the fixation member 60 is coupled to bone or soft tissue, the first loop 46 is passed through a first aperture 84 in a first portion of the meniscus. The first loop and collapsible tube 74 is then passed through a second aperture 86 and a second portion of the meniscus. The second loop 47 and second collapsible tube 76 are similarly passed through the meniscus. Tension is applied to the first and second ends 24 and 26 of the suture 22 to pull the meniscus together. As seen in FIG. 20B, a first and second collapsible tube 74 and 76 are constricted so as to couple the suture to the meniscus.

FIG. 21 represents a tool 100 with associated fastener 102 and soft tissue anchor 104. The tool 100 has a handle portion 106 which releasably engages the fastener 102. Associated with the handle portion 106 is a hollow longitudinal suture 103 which accepts a soft tissue anchor 104. Disposed at a distal end 110 of the hollow longitudinal portion 108 is a slot having a portion of the soft tissue anchor 104 disposed therethrough. The distal end 110 is further configured to support the fastener 102 for insertion into a bore defined within bone 112.

FIG. 22 represents an insertion guide 115 having a handle portion 114 and a curved longitudinal guide tube 116. The longitudinal guide tube 116 and handle portion 114 slidably accept the fastener 102 and soft tissue anchor 104. The curved longitudinal tube 116 and handle portion 112 define a slot 118 which also slidably accepts the suture 103 of soft tissue anchor 104.

FIGS. 23-38 generally depict the repair of labral tissue of a glenoid. While the repair shown generally relates to a specific anatomical injury, it is envisioned the teachings herein can be applied to other anatomical regions which require the coupling of soft tissue to bone. For example, a meniscal repair in a knee may be performed using similar techniques. As shown in FIG. 23, access to the region of the injury is made through a tube 120. At this point, a collapsible tube 122 having an extended portion 124 is threaded through tube 120 into close proximity of the soft tissue 126 to be coupled to bone. A suture grabber 128 such as a speed pass by Biomet Sports Medicine is used to pierce the soft tissue 126 and to grab the extended portion 124 of the collapsible tube 122. This extended portion 124 is then pulled through the soft tissue 126.

As shown in FIG. 24, the extended portion 124 of the collapsible tube 122 is fed back out the access tube 120 and clamped with clamp 129 so as to prevent inadvertent translation with respect to the tube. As shown in FIG. 25, the insertion sleeve 115 is placed through the access tube 120. The collapsible tube 122 is placed through the slot 118 defined in the handle portion 114 and longitudinal guide tube 116.

FIG. 26 shows a drill 130 having a flexible drive shaft 132 and a bone cutting drill bit 134. The drill bit 134 is placed through the guide tube 116 to form a bore 136 in bone at a location adjacent to a soft tissue repair. It is envisioned the bore 136 can be placed under or adjacent the soft tissue repair.

After the bore 136 has been formed in the bone, the tool 100, fastener 102, and associated soft tissue anchor 104 are placed through the insertion guide 115. As shown in FIG. 28, the fastener is inserted into the bore 136. It is envisioned the fastener 102 can be a two-part fastener having a first insertion portion 140 and a locking portion 142. The locking portion 142 can have a plurality of expandable bone engaging members 144.

As seen in FIG. 30, the pair of sutures 146 can be pulled through the soft tissue 126. The sutures 146 can be coupled together using a suture construction shown in FIG. 1A or 1B. In this regard, the suture 146 can be looped through an integrally formed collapsible member or tube 148 which can be used to fix the suture construction with respect to either the insert or locking portion 140, 142 of the fastener.

As shown in FIG. 31, when tension is applied to the suture 146 through the tool 100, a collapsible portion 150 of the collapsible tube engages the soft tissue 126. As seen in FIGS. 32-33B, once the collapsible portion 150 of the collapsible tube is set, the tool 100 can be removed from the insertion guide 115. At this point, the end of the longitudinal tube can be removed, or can be tied to the suture 146.

FIGS. 34-36 represent an alternate method for coupling a suture construction 104 to the fastener 102. Shown is a fastener 102 being passed through the loop of the suture. In this regard, the fastener 102 is passed through the loop of the suture prior to insertion of the fastener 102 within the bore 136 in the bone. After removal of the tool 100, tension is applied to the ends of the suture to constrict the collapsible portion 150 of the collapsible tube. This tensioning pulls the soft tissue 146 into a position with respect to the fastener 102.

As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the fastener 102 can have an associated integral loop 120. The integral loop 120 can be a suture or can be an integral polymer construction. The compressible tube 122 can be threaded through the integral loop 120. Application of tension onto the suture causes the collapsible portion 150 of the collapsible tube to bear against the integral loop 120 and the soft tissue. It is envisioned the integral loop can be elastically deformable or can be fixed with respect to the fastener.

FIG. 39 represents a suture construction coupled to a two-piece fastener 102. The suture construction 104 can be threaded through the aperture formed within the first or second portions of the fastener 102. As shown, an integrally formed collapsible tube portion 148 can be disclosed within the aperture of the fastener. Upon application of tension onto the suture, the tension will cause the collapse of this second collapsible tube portion 148, thus locking the suture to the fastener body 102.

FIGS. 40-44 represent an alternative system and method of coupling soft tissue to bone. By way of non-limiting example, a fastener 102 can be coupled to the bone as described above and shown in FIGS. 23-30. Subsequent to this, the collapsible portion 150 of the tube 104 can be passed through the soft tissue 126.

As best seen in FIGS. 40-42, a drive tool 160 is used to form a soft tissue engagement site 162 in a bone structure. The tool 160 has a drive (not shown) which rotates a bone cutting bit 164. The bone cutting bit 164 has a first portion 166 configured to drill a hole 167 through cortical bone and a threaded second portion 168. The threaded second portion 168 is configured to cut threads in the cortical 169 and cancellous bone 171 structures. This is accomplished by advancing the cutting bit 164 into the bone at a predetermined rate while rotating the bit at a predetermined speed. As shown in FIG. 41, after the second portion 168 has entered the cancellous bone 171, the bit is rotated while keeping the rotating tool 160 in a substantially stationary position. The thread cutting threads of the second portion 168 then displace cancellous bone 171, forming the cavity 162. The bit is removed by rotating the thread cutting threads through the threads formed in the cortical bone 169.

As shown in FIG. 43, the collapsible tube 104 of suture anchor is passed through passage 167 and into the cavity 162. In this regard, an insertion tool 173 can be used to insert the collapsible tube 104 into the cavity 162. As shown in FIG. 44, tension is applied to the end 172 of the suture anchor, thus causing the collapsible portion 104 of the anchor.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. For example, any of the above mentioned surgical procedures is applicable to repair of other body portions. For example, the procedures can be equally applied to the repair of wrists, elbows, ankles, and meniscal repair. The suture loops can be passed through bores formed in soft or hard tissue. It is equally envisioned that the loops can be passed through or formed around an aperture or apertures formed in prosthetic devices e.g. humeral, femoral or tibial stems. Further, the suture material and collapsible tubes can be formed of resorbable material. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone, the apparatus comprising: an elongate bone engaging member for placement in a longitudinal bore formed in a bone; and an adjustable suture construct extending down into the elongate bone engaging member through an opening in a trailing end of the elongate bone engaging member to couple the adjustable suture construct to the elongate bone engaging member, the adjustable suture construct including a suture with a free end that extends through a longitudinal passage in the suture to form an adjustable loop, wherein at least a portion of the adjustable loop protrudes from the opening in the trailing end of the elongate bone engaging member for looping around soft tissue for securing the soft tissue to the bone, wherein the free end can be pulled through the longitudinal passage to decrease a size of the adjustable loop.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suture comprises a braided body.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the free end extends into the longitudinal passage through a first aperture in the braided body and out of the longitudinal passage through a second aperture in the braided body.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture in the braided body are formed during a braiding process as loose portions between fibers.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the braided body is braided from 8 to 16 fibers.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the braided body includes Nylon fibers.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate bone engaging member comprises a threaded member.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the free end is a first free end, the longitudinal passage is a first longitudinal passage, and the adjustable loop is a first adjustable loop, the suture further including a second free end that extends through a second longitudinal passage in the suture to form a second adjustable loop.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first free end extends through the first longitudinal passage without extending through the second longitudinal passage, and wherein the second free end extends through the second longitudinal passage without extending through the first longitudinal passage.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first free end extends into the suture through a first aperture in the suture, longitudinally within the suture along the first longitudinal passage, and out of the suture through a fourth aperture in the suture to form the first adjustable loop, and wherein the second free end extends into the suture through a second aperture in the suture, longitudinally within the suture along the second longitudinal passage, and out of the suture through a third aperture in the suture to form the second adjustable loop, the first aperture, the second aperture, the third aperture, and the fourth aperture all being separate apertures in the suture.
 11. An apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone, the apparatus comprising: an elongate bone engaging member; and an adjustable suture construct coupled to the elongate bone engaging member, the adjustable suture construct including a suture with a free end that extends through a longitudinal passage in the suture to form an adjustable loop, wherein the elongate bone engaging member includes a leading end for leading the elongate bone engaging member into a longitudinal bore formed in a bone and a trailing end that provides an opening through which the adjustable suture construct extends, the adjustable suture construct extending down into the elongate bone engaging member through the opening, around an interior portion of the elongate bone engaging member, and back out of the elongate bone engaging member through the opening to position at least a portion of the adjustable loop outside the elongate bone engaging member for looping around soft tissue for securing the soft tissue to the bone, wherein the free end can be pulled through the longitudinal passage to decrease a size of the adjustable loop.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the suture comprises a braided body.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the free end extends into the longitudinal passage through a first aperture in the braided body and out of the longitudinal passage through a second aperture in the braided body.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture in the braided body are formed during a braiding process as loose portions between fibers.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the braided body is braided from 8 to 16 fibers.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the braided body includes Nylon fibers.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the elongate bone engaging member comprises a threaded member.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the free end is a first free end, the longitudinal passage is a first longitudinal passage, and the adjustable loop is a first adjustable loop, the suture further including a second free end that extends through a second longitudinal passage in the suture to form a second adjustable loop.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first free end extends through the first longitudinal passage without extending through the second longitudinal passage, and wherein the second free end extends through the second longitudinal passage without extending through the first longitudinal passage.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first free end extends into the suture through a first aperture in the suture, longitudinally within the suture along the first longitudinal passage, and out of the suture through a fourth aperture in the suture to form the first adjustable loop, and wherein the second free end extends into the suture through a second aperture in the suture, longitudinally within the suture along the second longitudinal passage, and out of the suture through a third aperture in the suture to form the second adjustable loop, the first aperture, the second aperture, the third aperture, and the fourth aperture all being separate apertures in the suture. 